What are duty ratings?

Duty ratings are a method of determining the robustness (or durability) of a non-loadbearing partition system and its suitability within a building.

The relevant British Standard for the testing and specification of partitions is BS 5234. This standard covers the design, installation and performance of partitions, and allows the building designer to define the durability required in service from four performance categories (Light duty for domestic use, medium for offices, heavy for public circulation areas and severe for major circulation areas).

Our British Gypsum partition systems have a range of performances across these four categories when tested in accordance with BS 5234: Part 2 (Specification for performance requirements for strength and robustness including methods of test). This gives the designer the flexibility to specify the most appropriate system performance for the application required.